At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to develop a scalable text search engine for biological data.
- Company: EMBL-EBI, a leader in biological data storage and analysis.
- Benefits: Generous salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and 30 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities and diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global research and tackle humankind's greatest challenges.
- Qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, Java expertise, and software development experience required.
The predicted salary is between 39636 - 44340 £ per year.
We are looking for a dynamic Software Engineer to join the EBI Search project, a scalable text search engine providing easy and uniform access to the biological data resources hosted at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI). EBI Search provides the central discovery infrastructure indexing more than 6 billion data objects across EMBL-EBI and external resources. It enables search and cross-linking across more than 100 biological data domains via web interfaces and RESTful APIs. You will join a team of software developers working together to support scientific research and FAIR data access across multiple disciplines.
Your role in this exciting position will involve:
- Integration and indexing of biological data and metadata, and provision of these through user-friendly web interfaces and web services for the international research community;
- Development of new features within an established and evolving codebase;
- Integration of the search platform with emerging AI technologies to enhance data discovery and improve user experience;
- Development of lightweight and efficient approaches for integrating data from multiple domains;
- Collaboration with colleagues across EMBL-EBI, applying industry-standard best practices to create and maintain efficient, reusable and well-documented software.
You have:
- A degree in Computer Science or a related field;
- A minimum of two years’ experience in software development;
- Good knowledge of Java;
- Experience with JavaScript and/or TypeScript;
- Experience with scripting languages such as Python and Bash;
- Good communication skills;
- Familiarity with modern software development practices and tools, including version control systems, CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
You may also have:
- Experience in biomolecular or biomedical data and metadata integration;
- Working knowledge of Solr, Lucene or Lucene-based search technologies;
- Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes or other deployment technologies;
- Knowledge of additional data storage technologies, including relational databases, graph databases and NoSQL systems;
- Familiarity with Linux/Unix environments;
- Experience with collaborative development tools such as Jira and Confluence;
- Experience with machine learning approaches, ideally in the context of data discovery.
Contract length: 3 years (Project Limited Contract)
Salary: Grade 5 or Grade 6 depending on experience. Monthly salary from £3,303 or £3,695 after tax plus generous benefits.
Hybrid Working: At EMBL-EBI we are pleased to offer hybrid working options for all our employees. A dedicated desk will be available every day, but most of our team work two days on site and three from home. At present the 'team days' on-site are Mondays and Tuesdays.
Why join us:
- Do something meaningful: At EMBL-EBI you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges.
- Join a culture of innovation: We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations, and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside.
- Enjoy lots of benefits: Financial incentives, flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, generous time off, relocation package, campus life benefits, family benefits, and benefits for non-UK residents.
What else you need to know:
- International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.
- Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence.
How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date: 27/06/2026
Software Engineer – Data Discovery employer: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
At EMBL-EBI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives and meaningful contributions to science are celebrated. Our hybrid working model, generous benefits including private medical insurance and extensive leave, and a supportive culture foster professional growth and collaboration among our diverse team members, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Wellcome Genome Campus in Cambridgeshire.
Contact Details:
European Molecular Biology Laboratory Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer – Data Discovery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at EMBL-EBI on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Java, JavaScript, and Python skills. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past projects and how you’ve integrated data in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for science and data! Be ready to discuss how your work can contribute to meaningful projects at EMBL-EBI. Highlight any experience you have with biological data or AI technologies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer – Data Discovery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for software engineering and how your skills align with the EBI Search project. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your personality!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send out the same CV for every application. Tailor it to showcase your experience with Java, JavaScript, and any relevant technologies mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any projects related to data discovery or biological data integration, make sure to include them! We’re keen to see real examples of your work and how you’ve applied your skills in practical situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Molecular Biology Laboratory
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Java, JavaScript, and Python. Brush up on your knowledge of RESTful APIs and any relevant frameworks, as this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex problems in software development. Think about how you’ve integrated data from multiple domains or improved user experience through innovative solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the EBI Search project.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company Culture
Research EMBL-EBI’s mission and values, especially their commitment to FAIR data access and collaboration. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, and how you can contribute to their culture of innovation and inclusivity.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how they integrate AI technologies into their work. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
